Premier Inn London Kings Cross Hotel

Located right across the street from St. Pancras International train station, this Premier Inn has a generic, modern feel similar to that of its sister properties throughout London. It's housed in a boxy brick building with large windows and updated interiors. A few touches -- like the brand's plum color scheme, wooden floors, and cozy grey armchairs set throughout the lobby -- give the hotel a warmer, more stylish than similar hotels in the area. A huge skylight tops the atrium-style reception area, which also has a couple of seating clusters with curved retro lamps and an exposed brick wall. Electronic self-check-in machines help speed up the arrival process, but hotel staff are always on hand and there is a small front desk for a more personalized experience. Guests here run the gamut, with most drawn by the proximity to trains and public transit options. Expect to see families, couples, solo travelers, and business guests, many here for quick overnight stays.

The hotel is across the street from Kings Cross/St. Pancras International train station, a major transportation hub with connections to domestic and international destinations. The area is always busy with commuters, businesspeople, and international travelers, and there are plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants for all budgets within a couple of blocks. Kings Cross/St. Pancras Tube station is just around the corner from the hotel, and there is a bus stop served by several lines as well. Although there aren’t any major attractions within walking distance, most are within a quick tube ride, including the British Museum, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral (which can all be reached in 25 minutes or less). Regent’s Park and popular Camden Market can be reached in under 10 minutes. Gatwick Airport and Heathrow International can both be reached in an hour by combining the tube and train (or just the tube, to reach Heathrow). A cab to Heathrow takes the same amount of time, and a cab to Gatwick will take nearly two hours. 

Rooms at the hotel are generic but clean and modern, with basic mid-tone wooden furniture, dark carpeting, and a few pops of plum, the chain’s corporate color. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles with free tea and coffee replenished daily, and air-conditioning, but rooms lack minibars. Beds are particularly comfortable -- the Hypnos brand mattresses are reportedly used by the Queen as well -- and have duvets, crisp white linens and an array of pillows to choose from. Most rooms have king beds, but some have twin or double beds, and Family Rooms can fit up to a double and two twins. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos or shower stalls, and white tiles with a few navy accents. Light sleepers may want to request a room with a courtyard view, as units overlooking the street can get some traffic noise.

Features aren't plentiful at this hotel, but the few on offer make a stay here that much more comfortable for the many guests in transit. Thyme Restaurant serves good comfort food in a bright, cozy dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, plush carpets over wooden floors, and comfy armchairs and sofas around wooden tables. Full English and continental breakfasts are served at Thyme every morning for an extra charge, but kids under 16 years of age receive free breakfast when accompanied by an adult ordering at least the basic breakfast option. Across the hall from the restaurant is Costa, a popular chain coffee shop with pastries and a few sandwiches. Snacks, drinks, and candy can be purchased at the vending machines in the lobby. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.